Chris Donahoe

Recycling money back into the community is its economic lifeblood and I can’t help but wonder if the Kaipara community is slowly being undermined by big company buying power and interest-free terms.

I like spending money at local cafes and stores because I know first hand how hard it is to run a small business.

Locally owned businesses recycle a bigger share of their revenue back into the town and local Dargaville retailer, Polwarth Design, attracts customers from all over the North Island because they help with presentation rather than just selling clothing. In an increasingly homogenised world, people value uniqueness and character.

We want to foster businesses that help make us distinctive. Jack Fannons on Victoria St is another example of a company that recycles money locally, including from customers outside the town.

Polwarths and Jack Fannons have proven that if you provide quality products and service then you are not limited by the size of the town.

Clayton and Mary Bennett have created arguably the best chocolate brand in the country in their Mangawhai business which provides local work and has become a major tourist destination.

Local businesses can also innovate with technology. Lindsay West from Dargaville Ford developed an international satellite feed to train staff right here in the Kaipara. People fussy about their cars are going miles out of their way to have them serviced there.

So next time you are wanting to head out the door and drive to the super store, stop and think about supporting local business.